FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEAGATE MOTIVATES STEM STUDENTS WITH GENEROUS AWARDS

More than 300 students present original STEM research virtually amid COVID-19 crisis

[ST. PAUL, MN, April 10 2020] -- Middle and high school students from across Minnesota who were planning to come together in late March for the 83rd annual Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) competed virtually this year. Student participants were selected from among more than 2,500 students in grades 6 - 12 who competed in regional science fairs during February. 

In response to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) asked students registered for the state fair to upload videos of themselves in front of their presentation boards discussing their research. Three-quarters of them did so in little more than a week. STEM professionals, including employees at Seagate Technology, served as volunteer judges, reviewing student projects from home to provide feedback and determine award winners.

Seagate, a long-time sponsor and supporter of SSEF, remains the statewide event’s premier sponsor. “We are so grateful for Seagate’s continued support of STEM education and student research in Minnesota,” said MAS Executive Director Lara Maupin. “We couldn’t bring this important opportunity to our state’s top STEM students without them.”

Thirty-five companies and organizations, including Seagate, awarded $15,000 in cash prizes as well as other awards valued at more than $10,000. At Seagate’s suggestion, MAS announced award winners during a livestream ceremony and online at mnmas.org on April 1. During the virtual awards ceremony with more than 350 participants, Nikki Shaffer, Senior IT Manager at Seagate, announced the following top award winners:

Seagate Excellence in Science Mentoring Award - This award recognizes two outstanding science teachers who find creative ways to nurture students’ interest in scientific research and discovery. These teachers receive $1,000, a Seagate portable hard drive and $1,000 for their schools. 

• 1 - 10 years of experience:  Dustin Peyton (Bdote Learning Center, Minneapolis)

• 10+ years of experience:  Rawan Hamade (Al-Amal School, Fridley) 

Seagate Rising Star Award - This award recognizes two emerging student scientists whose projects not only exemplify excellence in their category but also demonstrate high degrees of difficulty, complexity, innovation, and effective communication. One high school student receives a $2,000 award, trophy, and a Seagate portable hard drive. One middle school student receives a $1,500 award, trophy, and a Seagate portable hard drive. 

• High school:  Jack Gootzeit (Waconia High School), Environmentally Friendly Alternatives to Standard Road Salts. 

• Middle school:  Ella Lynn Holleran (Northfield Middle School), WISP - Wearable, Individualized, Sensory Product - A Therapy Tool for Those with Autism & Sensory Processing Challenges. 

Seagate also recognizes excellent scientific research conducted by students competing for the first time 

with the Seagate Emerging Scientist Award. The top 10% of first-year students at the fair receive trophies.

To see the full list of award winners, along with photos, videos, and quotes visit mnmas.org/2020-ssef-awards.

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STEM:  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

The Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair is a program of the Minnesota Academy of Science sponsored by Seagate Technology, the Minnesota Department of Education, Ecolab, 3M, General Mills and others. Visit mnmas.org to learn more about our STEM programming for Minnesota students.

Media contacts:

Sara Gomez, Program Director
Lara Maupin, Interim Executive Director
Emily Shepard, Communications